Pakistani Passport Makes It to Top 100 in Global Rankings

In a promising development for international mobility and national pride, Pakistan's passport has officially entered the list of the Top 100 most powerful passports in the world, according to the 2025 Passport Index rankings. This marks a steady and significant improvement in the standing of the Pakistani passport, which had long been categorized among the lowest in global rankings.

According to the Director General of Immigration and Passports, Mr. Mustafa Jamal Qazi, this development is a direct result of systematic reforms, technological advancements, and improved international diplomatic relations. He congratulated the Pakistani nation on this achievement and assured that even more improvements are on the way.

Visa-Free Access to 32 Countries

As per the latest index, holders of Pakistani passports can now enjoy visa-free travel to 32 countries across different regions of the world. This includes some destinations in Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and Oceania, giving Pakistani citizens more freedom and ease of movement than ever before. In past years, the number of visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations was significantly lower, and this increase reflects Pakistan's growing engagement with the international community.

E-Gates and Modern Passport Technology

Mr. Mustafa Jamal Qazi further revealed that modern security features have been integrated into the new Pakistani passports, including those issued as part of the e-passport initiative. These passports come embedded with advanced biometric data and digital encryption, making them highly secure and compliant with international standards.

To enhance convenience for travelers, E-Gate facilities will soon be introduced at all major airports across Pakistan. These automated gates will allow e-passport holders to clear immigration faster through self-service kiosks, reducing wait times and making the travel experience smoother. This move brings Pakistan in line with practices already in place at leading international airports.

Passport Application App – A Revolutionary Step

Another groundbreaking development announced by the DG Passports is the upcoming launch of a dedicated mobile application that will allow Pakistani citizens to apply for, renew, and track their passports from the comfort of their homes. The initiative, which will be part of Pakistan’s broader digital transformation agenda, is expected to significantly reduce the need for in-person visits to passport offices, streamline application processes, and eliminate unnecessary delays.

Once launched, the passport app will provide a user-friendly interface for document submission, fee payments, photo uploads, appointment bookings, and delivery tracking. This step is seen as a major leap toward e-governance and citizen facilitation in Pakistan.

Zero Bag Lock Rate Worldwide

DG Passports also proudly stated that Pakistan now maintains a zero bag lock rate for passports both domestically and internationally. This means that there are no pending cases of passport non-delivery or document holding due to technical issues, mismanagement, or security concerns — a significant achievement in terms of service reliability and efficiency.

In the past, applicants would often face delays and complaints regarding passport issuance, especially for overseas Pakistanis. The present administration has apparently overhauled the internal systems, digitized records, trained staff, and ensured quality assurance at every level to ensure fast and secure processing.

International Recognition and Diplomatic Progress

The improvement in passport ranking is also a reflection of Pakistan's growing credibility on the world stage. It points to strengthened bilateral relations, enhanced global cooperation, and trust-building measures that the country has taken in recent years.

Countries offering visa-free access usually base their decision on risk assessment, diplomatic reciprocity, and the reliability of documentation standards. Pakistan's advancement suggests that these countries now view Pakistani travelers more favorably, signaling increased confidence in the state’s ability to track, identify, and verify its passport holders.

Public Reaction and National Pride

This progress has been warmly welcomed by the public, especially by overseas Pakistanis, who often face challenges due to passport limitations. Social media platforms have been flooded with messages of congratulations, pride, and renewed hope for a brighter and more connected future.

Travel agents, business leaders, and academics alike see this as a step toward globalization, which will not only improve tourism and student mobility but also attract more investment and cultural exchange opportunities. It will also encourage more youth to explore educational and career options abroad, backed by stronger documentation and international recognition.

Looking Forward – Vision for Future Improvements

DG Mustafa Jamal Qazi emphasized that while this milestone is commendable, it is just the beginning. His department is working tirelessly to reach even higher ranks, further enhance services, and bring Pakistan's passport quality and accessibility up to global standards.

There are also plans to expand visa agreements with more countries, possibly increasing the number of visa-free destinations in the coming years. Special attention is also being given to facilitating overseas Pakistanis by opening new passport centers in foreign missions and providing real-time assistance.


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Conclusion

The inclusion of the Pakistani passport in the Top 100 globally is a proud achievement for the nation. It symbolizes the success of national reforms, technological modernization, and strategic diplomacy. With more conveniences being introduced — such as the mobile passport application, e-passports, e-gates, and visa-free access — Pakistani citizens can now look forward to a more empowered future on the global stage.

While challenges still exist, this development shows that positive change is possible, and that with continued reforms and smart governance, Pakistan can continue to rise in global rankings — not only in passports but in many other areas that matter to its people and its global image.